Tapping 2022: A Photo Essay

Once again each tapper strapped boots into snowshoes,
tramped up Herbie’s Highway (a ski route on ski days and a snowshoe route on tapping days),
noting that the mice travel on a separate highway,
bypassing the ash trees,
to stop at each maple tree where, selecting with care a fresh patch of bark
to bzzz into as far as the wooden block then bzzz straight back out again,
and feeling pleased to see the blonde shavings that indicate the tap is a “good” one,
the tapper hammered in the spout and the loop of tubing,

and wished each tree well before looking ahead to the crown
then the trunk of the next tree (this one appearing strong in spite of, or because of, a life of adversity).

The snow changed
with the weather
and as the hours passed.
Best of all was the day it rolled away.

Spring Beauties

Sugarhouse talk of spring beauties started with Larry. On Monday evening when he emerged from the woods after a day of pulling taps he said, “The spring beauties are primping for The Ball. They’re trying on their finery and practicing their twirls.” On Wednesday he announced, “The Spring Ball was today!” On Thursday, when my… Read More

Sugarhouse Chicken

If the crew is boiling at suppertime they fill their bowls in the front room when they can snatch a moment. The stoker retreats to the back side of the evaporator where there is a counter to sit on if the fire has just been stoked or to rest one’s bowl on if she must… Read More